APRIL 26, 2017 – Unbeaten defeated prospect Manuel “Tino” Avila (22-0, 8 KOs) is making the leap from prospect to contender as he fights 2012 U.S. Olympian and NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph Diaz, Jr. (23-0, 13 KOs) on the Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. televised undercard on Saturday, May 6 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Avila held a media day on Saturday, April 15 in Northern California, and here is what he had to say then about his May 6 fight:

“I always see a fight as a fight. I have fought at a casino, where the fight was not shown on TV or the undercard like Chad Dawson vs. Bernard Hopkins, the first one. No matter how big it is or how small it is, in the ring it is always the same!

“We’re doing a lot of conditioning and strength work. We are taking a lot away from our last fight, knowing that JoJo Diaz saw that fight live and was commentating [on Avila’s last fight]. [JoJo] is also a left hander, so a lot of changes are going on.

“My team and I have been working extremely hard. I’ve got all the right people in my corner helping me get to the top. I’m sparring with some really good fighters. I’ve taken my conditioning to new levels. I’m amped up for this fight.”

“JoJo Diaz, Jr. – you better be ready for me on May 6!”

Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden BoyPromotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management, Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. Diaz, Jr. vs. Avila is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and tickets are available for purchase at any MGM Resorts International box office or concierge desk. Tickets also can be purchased by phone with a major credit card at 800-745-3000. Tickets for “Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” in theaters nationwide are on sale now at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN).

The premiere of the HBO Sports presentation Face Off with Max Kellerman: Canelo/Chavez, Jr. airs Saturday, April 29 at 12:15 a.m. on HBO.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and

www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.com;follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

The NFL will honor outstanding members of the community throughout the three-day celebration at the 2017 NFL Draft. Special guests will take part in the excitement of the Draft by announcing various picks and participating in festivities in Philadelphia.

Salute to Service – Military Appreciation

The NFL will recognize active duty service members, veterans and their families at Draft events throughout the week. On Thursday evening, a joint color guard will be joined onstage with veterans from Wounded Warrior Project during the National Anthem to open the Draft.

The NFL has teamed with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to honor the Frisons, a Gold Star Family. A Lancaster, Pa. native and passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan, U.S. Army 1st Lt. DEMETRIUS FRISON lost his life in combat in Afghanistan in 2011. Frison’s wife and son will accompany Philadelphia Eagles Legend RON JAWORSKI onstage to announce the Eagles’ Round 2 pick along with a Joint Service Honor Guard representing all branches of military service.

In addition, active duty service members from all five branches of the military and veterans from the USO and Wounded Warrior Project will be guests at the Draft on Saturday for Rounds 4-7.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

St. Jude patient KATE FOSTER will join COMMISSIONER GOODELL and Chicago Bears Legend JAY HILGENBERG to announce the Bears’ Round 2 pick. A competitive gymnast, Kate, 18, from Rockford, IL, lost her left leg to an infection during treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia at age 12 but overcame her illness and returned to the gym less than a year later.

MAKE-A-WISH®

Make-A-Wish recipient TJ ONWUANIBE will have his wish granted when he joins COMMISSIONER GOODELL to announce the Baltimore Ravens’ Round 1 pick. A football-loving 14-year old, TJ is a cancer survivor and devoted Ravens fan from Laurel, MD.

Youth and High School Football

ROUND 1

Football players from MARTIN LUTHER KING HIGH SCHOOL will take the stage alongside COMMISSIONER GOODELL and represent the Philadelphia Eagles during their Round 1 pick. Due to lack of resources and funding, Germantown High School’s football program merged with former crosstown rival Martin Luther King High School. Prior to the pick announcement, the team will walk the Red Carpet alongside Draft prospects.

In addition, LIAM MCCLURE, a Methacton High School football player diagnosed with autism, will walk the Red Carpet on Thursday and hand out New Era Caps to Draft picks with his teammates. McClure fell in love with football after attending a Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp and further developed his passion for the game after joining the Methacton Warriors.

ROUND 3

In memory of the late legendary Pennsylvania high school football coach MIKE PETTINE SR., the Central Bucks West High School football team will accompany Philadelphia Eagles long snapper and 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year team winner JON DORENBOS in making the Eagles’ Round 3 pick. Pettine Sr. had 16 undefeated seasons in his 33 years as head coach and won four state championships with Central Bucks West High School.

ROUND 6

For the first time, Round 6 of the NFL Draft will be youth football-themed. Youth football players from Pop Warner, NFL FLAG and local teams will represent various NFL clubs in their local markets during pick selections.

Thirty-two former players from the NFL Legends Community, one representing each team, will be featured in Round 2. 15 Pro Football Hall of Fame members will announce picks, including MORTEN ANDERSEN, JIM BROWN, WILLIE BROWN, FRANCO HARRIS, JIM TAYLOR and THURMAN THOMAS.

Round 3 Draft announcements will feature past recipients and team winners of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. Carolina Panthers linebacker and 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year THOMAS DAVIS will make the Round 1 pick selection on behalf of his team.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes a player for his excellence on and off the field and represents the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact.

Below is the list of former players scheduled to make selections in Round 2, as well as Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year national and team winners announcing Round 3 picks. There are a total of 15 Pro Football Hall of Famers listed below.

LOS ANGELES (April 25, 2017) – Fighters featured on the undercards of the highly anticipated Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. showdown today hosted a Los Angeles media workout at City of Angels Boxing ahead of their upcoming fights on May 6 at T-Mobile Arena, live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Plus, fighters featured on Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN on May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena joined the action today also to discuss their upcoming bouts.

As part of the HBO Free-View, Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (8-0, 7 KOs) will face a soon to be announced opponent and Raul “El Cugar” Curiel will make his pro-debut against an opponent to be named shortly. Also on the card, Ronny Rios (27-1, 12 KOs) will fight Daniel “El Chato” Noriega (28-10-1, 15 KOs) and opening up the night, Joseph “Diamante” Aguirre (16-0, 9 KOs) will be battling Angel Aispuro (8-4-2, 5 KOs).

The May 5 action-packed night of Golden Boy Boxing onESPN will be headlined by former three-division world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa and Robinson Castellanos. Co-main event of the night, Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez (22-0-1, 15 KOs) will defend his NABA featherweight title against Jesus Rojas (24-1-2, 17 KOs). Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (15-0, 6 KOs) will be participating in the card in a 10-round bantamweight bout, and knock out artist Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) will be in a four round super lightweight fight against Angel “Pescado” Sarinana (7-5-2, 3 KOs).

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s workout alongside Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya:

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“I’m excited to see every undercard fighter on fight night. I love knockouts, so you can’t go wrong with our co-main event of David Lemieux against Marco Reyes. Lemieux just had a spectacular knockout over Curtis Stevens that was incredible, so I’m looking forward to seeing him in the ring again.

“This is going to be a great show, and I think everyone is going to be very excited. Golden Boy has a great reputation for putting on amazing fights, and the fans will definitely be getting their money’s worth.”

“I never once thought about retiring. I just needed a deep rest after the Postol fight in October, so I went back home and took the time I needed to be with family–I drove my motorcycle, went fishing, and just reflected.

“I am proud of the career that I have made – I am a South American fighter coming from a province in Argentina who has made himself known in America. It is a privilege to be back on such a card like this, and my goal is to continue to be in the sport, on track for a championship. I am ready to jump back in.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR., NABF Featherweight Champion:

“Fighting on this Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. card has been the opportunity of the lifetime for me. I have to go out there with millions watching and thousands in attendance, so I have to showcase to everybody that I can be the best and the next superstar in boxing.

“I trained very hard for this fight, so a win over Manuel Avila will put me a step closer or maybe even give me that title shot for either the WBC or WBO belt. I know my opponent is an undefeated Golden Boy prospect, so there is a lot at stake for whomever wins this fight, as they will become ‘the next big thing’ at 126 pounds for Golden Boy Promotions. May the best man win on May 6th.”

RYAN “KINGRY” GARCIA, Lightweight Prospect:

“I’m different from everybody, my speed is incredible. If you get the chance, check me out because I bring something different to the table. People may watch a lot of fighters, but nobody sees someone with my explosiveness and speed.”

RAUL “EL CIGAR” CURIEL, Former Mexican Olympian:

“Everyone will say the same thing–that they just want to get their first professional fight out of the way. I am excited to be a part of the Golden Boy family, and being on HBO–it’s a dream. I’ve been training with Manny Robles and I feel ready to take on my opponent.”

RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:

“Everything has been great–I just had my son, which is extra motivation for me. I’m at 122 pounds now, because after my loss, my motivation and discipline went way up.

“In working up to this fight, I’ve been training and eating healthier than ever. I believe I will be well prepared to take on my opponent on May 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

JOSEPH “DIAMANTE” AGUIRRE, Lightweight Prospect:

“I’ve been training over a year with Joel Diaz, and have been sparring with Lucas Matthysse and Vergil Ortiz, Jr. to prepare for our fights on May 6th. I have about 200 people coming from Mexico to see me fight, so I’m really excited.

“My fighting style with Joel Diaz has adjusted as he has taught me to be more aggressive and to have a winning mentality in the ring.”

ABRAHAM “CHAMACO” LOPEZ, NABA Featherweight Champion:

“I get to defend my NABA title for the second time. I’m thankful to God for the opportunity, and at the end of the day, he already knows what’s going to happen that night, I just have to do what I always do and prepare and train harder than I have.”

OSCAR “EL JAGUAR” NEGRETE, Bantamweight Contender:

“It’s a great privilege to be on ESPN, I know that it’s going to be a great fight. I get the chance to represent Colombia and show what I have to offer in the ring. I’ve developed a lot as a fighter, and I just can’t wait for next week.”

VERGIL ORTIZ, JR., Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I’ve been feeling really good lately and have been training since February so I’m in the best shape of my life right now. It feels really to be on such a huge fight card. When I fought on the last Canelo undercard, it was huge for me-it still takes some adjusting, but I feel great.

“My last four fights have all been knockouts, but I’m not going just for the knockout, I’m going in to be smart. I expect my opponent to go forward and bully me, but it’s not always about strength-I know I will figure him out.”

Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden BoyPromotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management, Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. Diaz, Jr. vs. Avila is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

LOS ANGELES (April 24, 2017) Go behind the scenes of the Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. Megafight as Golden Boy Media and Entertainment takes you into the camps of Canelo Alvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) as they prepare for their May 6th showdown. Mano-A-Mano also features exclusive interviews with Canelo, Chavez, Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr., Eddy and Chepo Reynoso, as well as others from around the fighters’ fight camps and promotion.

Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Lemieux vs. Reyes is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management, Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. Diaz, Jr. vs. Avila is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the closed circuit telecast of Canelo vs. Chavez, Jr. are priced at $75, not including applicable fees. All seats are general admission and tickets are available for purchase at any MGM Resorts International box office or concierge desk. Tickets also can be purchased by phone with a major credit card at 800-745-3000. Tickets for “Canelo Álvarez vs. Julio César Chávez, Jr.” in theaters nationwide are on sale now at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN).